Ex-Police Chiefs Warn of Security Crisis Over Frozen Senior Appointments

Former senior police officials are sounding the alarm over an unprecedented crisis in leadership appointments within the Israel Police, warning that a prolonged freeze on senior field commander posts could paralyze law enforcement and endanger public safety.

Speaking out against the ongoing deadlock, former Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi warned that a lack of decisive electoral outcomes combined with a shortage of authorized field commanders could "bring us to an event like the Capitol riot." Former Commander Aharon Aksol echoed these warnings, stressing that acting commanders often lack the authority and willingness to make difficult decisions during critical moments.

A Freeze on Key Positions

At the center of the controversy is the freezing of appointments for no fewer than 141 senior police officers, ranging from superintendent ranks and above. Key leadership positions, including the heads of the Human Resources Directorate, the Planning Directorate, regional commanders, district commanders, and station chiefs, have remained vacant or staffed by acting officials for months.

The standoff reflects a severe power struggle between Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir and Police Commissioner Dani Levy. The tension reached a boiling point when Ben Gvir announced the suspension of senior officer promotions ahead of the upcoming elections, arguing that sweeping appointments during an electoral cycle constitute an improper maneuver.

"The dispute between the minister and the commissioner should not come at the expense of the organization, nor should it ever harm the officers and the public," stated former Commander Aharon Aksol.

The Impact on Operations and Morale

Former officials warn that the paralysis goes far beyond administrative delays, triggering a domino effect of plummeting morale among junior and mid-level officers. Without permanent commanders, the police face difficulties in maintaining strategic planning, force buildup, and smooth cooperation with local authorities.

While the Ministry of National Security maintains that it has repeatedly asked the commissioner to submit urgent appointment lists for review, the commissioner's office insists that the minister must immediately sign off on critical postings to protect the safety of Israeli citizens.